Sagre in Italia, September

Fall is my favorite time of year for many reasons (see fried porcini entry) and among them are the numerous sagre (food festivals) that celebrate typical autumn produce and meats. These food festivals were once local phenomenon that provided a social outlet during the difficult harvest time that preceded the long winters in Italy. Today, they are a way to preserve the traditions of the past, while simultaneously bringing enogastronomic tourists to small towns. Here are some of the sagre I wish I could attend this month: